1707, 2011

Tahquamenon Falls

Scenic Earth
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Tahquamenon Falls is one of the most famous landmarks in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The upper falls shown in this video move an average of 7,000 gallons of water a second, and up to 50,000 at peak springtime flow. Against the white backdrop of ice and snow in this winter scene, the brown color of the Tahquamenon River is especially apparent. This color comes from tannin, an organic compound released by the decomposition of material from cedar swamps upriver. This color has given the falls a local nickname– “Root Beer Falls”– also given to a smaller, unnamed waterfall to the west with similar water. Andrew Ironside is a Christian minister and musician. He is the founder of

1607, 2011

New York City Harbor

The one-of-a-kind atmosphere of New York City is evident in the skyline of Lower Manhattan as seen from the mouth of the East River. Just as iconic as the skyscrapers are the spaces between them: the famous New York City grid layout provides clear lines of sight for miles down the long streets parallel to the Hudson River. A short ferry ride from Battery Park (visible at the beginning of this eScapes video) is the Statue of Liberty. The most enduring symbol of New York City, as well as the entire United States, the popularity of the statue is rivaled only by the iconic Empire State Building, which was the tallest building in the world from

1507, 2011

Stewart J. Cort

Shipwatching
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Built in 1973, the Stewart J. Cort has the distinction of being the first 1000-foot freighter on the Great Lakes. It was named after the late vice president of Bethlehem Steel, the company it has served continuously while operating under the Interlake Steamship Company. In this video, the Stewart J. Cort can be seen passing one of the two breakwater lights that mark the entrance to Duluth-Superior Harbor on the border of Minnesota and Wisconsin at the edge of Lake Superior. Mark Love is an independent Australian artist. His work ranges from intense electronic compositions to solo piano ambience. Links Interlake Steamship Company: Stewart J. Cort Terry Pepper’s Seeing the Light: Wisconsin Point Lighthouse Mark Love

1307, 2011

Portland, Oregon River Ride

American Cities
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The 187-mile-long Willamette River runs through downtown Portland, Oregon, where it is spanned by eleven bridges. Many of these bridges hold world records or set records when constructed. The Steel Bridge, featured in this scene, is the second-oldest vertical-lift bridge in the world– second only to the Hawthorne Bridge a little farther downriver. In this video, eScapes takes you on a late-afternoon ride down the river from the Broadway Bridge past the double-lift Steel Bridge. Sitting in the channel are the Korean freighter Eastern Queen and the Italian Michele Bottiglieri, reminders of Portland’s role as an aptly-named port city. Euge Groove is a smooth jazz saxophonist who has lent his talent to recordings and tours from

1107, 2011

Crisp Point Lighthouse

Lighthouses
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Crisp Point Light Station, in Paradise, Michigan, was first lit in 1904 and served Lake Superior ships until it was decommissioned in 1993. The light tower perfectly complements a pristine beach and dark blue water, but the strong waves of the lake, though beautiful, can be destructive. In 1996, the lighthouse lost its entrance building to coastal erosion from the lake, and the site has been the focus of many efforts to preserve or restore the coastline. Geoff Bowman is a solo pianist. “Manhattan” is a track off his debut album, Reflections. Links Crisp Point Light Historical Society Paradise, Michigan Area Tourism Council Paradise Chamber of Commerce

0807, 2011

Detroit, Michigan (Sunset from Belle Isle)

The skyline of Detroit, Michigan is dominated by the distinctive Renaissance Center. Best known as the world headquarters of General Motors, the seven-skyscraper complex includes the Detroit Marriott, the tallest all-hotel tower outside of Asia and the tallest building in the state of Michigan. Across the Detroit River lies Windsor, Ontario. The Ambassador Bridge to Canada, another distinctive part of the Detroit skyline, has connected the two cities since 1929. More than 25 percent of all trade between the United States and Canada crosses this bridge. Herbie Russ is a Michigan native and an accomplished saxophonist, keyboardist, vocalist, producer, and songwriter. His melodic style combines smooth jazz, urban contemporary, and pop music, and his performances can

0707, 2011

Mendocino Cliffs, California

Scenic Earth
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Despite its population of less than one thousand people, Mendocino, California has made a name for itself as a destination for relaxation and culture. The community’s Pacific Ocean coast features the Mendocino headlands– steep cliffs and rocky landforms protruding from the sea. Beautiful views like these have supported local bed-and-breakfasts for decades and have inspired the many artists that make their home in Mendocino. Mendocino County is also known for its fine wine and impressive forests, leading it to trademark the title, “America’s Greenest Wine Region.” Alexander Zonjic has performed on stages around the world as a solo performer, with his own group, and as part of jazz great Bob James’ band. An accomplished jazz flutist,

0507, 2011

Heceta Head Lighthouse

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Visible for up to 21 miles, the Heceta Head Light is the brightest light on the Oregon coast– not bad for a lighthouse that has been using the same fresnel lens for 117 years. The Heceta Head Lighthouse and its keepers quarters were built in 1892 and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Overlooking the rocky coast of the Pacific Ocean, the lighthouse is said to be the most photographed in the United States and is an Oregon State Scenic Viewpoint. If ocean relaxation and the historic atmosphere don’t suit you, there’s always the opportunity for ghost hunting– the lighthouse is rumored to be haunted! Brian Culbertson is a contemporary jazz instrumentalist, songwriter,

0407, 2011

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

For Independence Day, eScapes brings you a look at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, site of the Second Continental Congress that approved the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. Philadelphia is a city that has historically guided the United States towards progress. Outside of politics, the city has been a leader in industry, commerce, and, notably, tolerance. Named from the Greek for “brotherly love,” Philadelphia was early in its history a safe haven from religious persecution and later held a large African-American population during the times of slavery. Bob Baldwin is a New York-born contemporary jazz musician and producer. He is a music composer, pianist, record producer, and musical arranger with over three decades of entertainment experience. His

0307, 2011

Yosemite National Park

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Yosemite National Park needs no introduction to naturalists and anyone who appreciates breathtaking scenery. Established as a national park in 1890, Yosemite Valley is a spectacular showcase of geology and ecology. The unique terrain of Yosemite National Park is the result of millions of years of uplifting granite combined with the immense stress of massive glaciers, which carved the rock into the sheer cliffs that are the Yosemite signature. Waterfalls are common and the park’s biodiversity is challenged by few places in North America. A destination for rock climbing, hiking, skiing, biking, rafting, and just about any outdoor activity imaginable, Yosemite National Park is as perfect for those seeking excitement as those seeking relaxation. Ronny Jordan